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External documentation, on the other hand, is documentation that is intended for use by external stakeholders, such as customers, partners, or users of a product or service. It can include things like user manuals, online help resources, API documentation, and technical guides. External documentation is often used to provide information and instructions to users of a product or service, and to support their use of the product or service.
Both internal and external documentation, when done right, can take your developer experience and user experience to a different level. External documentation is no replacement for a good product. But few good products can succeed in the market without solid documentation.
This is part of an extensive series of guides about software development.
What is documentation?
Documentation is written information that describes and explains a product, system, or service. It can take many different forms, such as user manuals, technical guides, and online help resources. Documentation is typically used to provide information and instructions to users of a product or service, and to support its development and maintenance.
Internal documentation is documentation that is created and used within an organization, and is typically not intended for external use. It can include things like design and implementation plans, technical specifications, and internal processes and procedures. Internal documentation is often used to help teams within an organization understand and work with a product or service, and to support the development and maintenance of the product or service.
External documentation, on the other hand, is documentation that is intended for use by external stakeholders, such as customers, partners, or users of a product or service. It can include things like user manuals, online help resources, API documentation, and technical guides. External documentation is often used to provide information and instructions to users of a product or service, and to support their use of the product or service.
Both internal and external documentation, when done right, can take your developer experience and user experience to a different level. External documentation is no replacement for a good product. But few good products can succeed in the market without solid documentation.
This is part of an extensive series of guides about software development.
Types of documentation
External documentation
External documentation refers to the written materials that are created for users of a software system. External documentation can be divided into several categories, including:
End-user documentation
This type of documentation is intended for the end users of a software system, who are typically non-technical individuals. End-user documentation includes user manuals, help files, and online tutorials that explain how to use the software and troubleshoot common issues.
Enterprise user documentation
This type of documentation is similar to end-user documentation, but is targeted at enterprise users who are responsible for managing and maintaining the software within their organization. Enterprise user documentation may include information on how to install and configure the software, how to perform maintenance tasks, and how to troubleshoot issues.
Why is documentation important?
- Code documentation: Provides detailed information on the components of a software system, and how developers can work with it. It might include any type of information a developer might need to get started with the system, integrate with it, or participate in its development.
- Process documentation: Describes the processes and procedures that the development team follows when creating, testing, and maintaining software. It may include information on the development methodology, code review process, and testing procedures.
- Project documentation: Describes the overall goals, requirements, and design of a software project. It may include user stories, acceptance criteria, and technical specifications.
Flexibility
- Code documentation: Provides detailed information on the components of a software system, and how developers can work with it. It might include any type of information a developer might need to get started with the system, integrate with it, or participate in its development.
- Process documentation: Describes the processes and procedures that the development team follows when creating, testing, and maintaining software. It may include information on the development methodology, code review process, and testing procedures.
- Project documentation: Describes the overall goals, requirements, and design of a software project. It may include user stories, acceptance criteria, and technical specifications.